Spain’s national women’s football team begin their UEFA Euro 2025 campaign today in Bern, facing Portugal in their opening group stage match amid soaring expectations. As reigning World Champions and Nations League winners, Spain enter the tournament as undisputed favourites — a status that brings both pressure and promise.
Led by manager Montse Tomé, the squad boasts some of the brightest talents in the modern game. Midfield powerhouse Aitana Bonmatí, recently named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, will be joined by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who returns to full fitness after injury setbacks. Forwards Mariona Caldentey and Alba Redondo are also expected to play decisive roles.
Despite their global success in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Spain have yet to win the European Championship. Their best result to date was a semi-final finish in 1997. This year, however, many observers believe the combination of tactical cohesion, depth of talent, and renewed team unity puts Spain in a commanding position to finally claim the continental title.
The build-up to the tournament has also marked a cultural shift within the national camp. Following last year’s internal conflict surrounding former manager Jorge Vilda — which sparked player boycotts and governance reforms — the Spanish Football Federation has worked to rebuild trust and restructure support systems. The team now operates with greater input from senior players and a clearer focus on safeguarding and wellbeing.
In her pre-match press conference, Tomé said:
“We know what’s expected of us. But we’re not burdened by it — we’re fuelled by it. This is a group that knows how to fight, how to win, and how to do it together.”
The match against Portugal, a rising force in the women’s game, is viewed as a strong opening test. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET, and fans across Spain will be tuning in from city squares, local bars, and public viewing areas — many of which are already decked out in red and gold.
Beyond the football, Spain’s success is contributing to a continued boom in women’s sport nationally. Viewership, sponsorship, and grassroots participation have soared since the 2023 World Cup win, with youth academies and amateur leagues reporting record registrations.
A strong performance tonight could set the tone for Spain to progress smoothly through the group stage, where they’ll also face Sweden and Switzerland — both formidable opponents.
Victory in Euro 2025 would cement this Spanish side as one of the greatest women’s teams in football history.
